This is very long with some type of handle mounted to the side of it?
This looks like an older warehouse ladder that was used to stock shelves or to take down stocking from shelves. Normally this would be mounted on a trolly or a pushcart and be able to move along the isles. The handle was used to help the person hold on while getting down the boxes. This ladder should slide along the railing and move around so that it can be pushed from one section of the isle to another easily.
Very cool! It looks like a barn or loft ladder. People who have a loft (in their home or barn) need a ladder and most want them with a handrail.
We don't have a lot of loft living where I am, but I see them in magazines periodically. I am not sure if the handrail comes with it or if it is added on by the person who needed the access to the loft--or it could be both situations.
Besides magazines, I see these type of ladders for sale on Etsy all the time. Some fetch a lot (well, people ask high prices--Etsy don't give you SOLD prices so it is hard to know when one is gone if it sold or was just no longer for sale.
Are there any marks on it? Ladders often had marker marks on them--on the under side or on a rail. Sometimes that lends cache to the piece so if you find it, and are trying to sell it, be sure to add the brand it if has one.
Cool find! Thanks for sharing!
This hand rail is unusual in that most rails seem to be flat and most are attached to the ladder in a different way.
I have seen ads for custom built ladders and this may have been one.
I also think it may have been used in a loft or barn as most library or factory ladders had wheels on the bottom for rolling/moving and clamps on the top that fit over a permanent rail that was attached to shelves so the ladder could be slid/moved down the aisle.
You can probably find out exactly what it was used for if you post pictures on Reddit as this is the type of item that gets a lot of responses. You'll have to join before posting but if you have problems you can contact the administrators for help.
This a great site for information about everything - even the census!
This could be also a old library ladder used to get books out of reach. Also a warehouse / shipping department ladder.
Most likely it's a loft/attic or library ladder. It's also possible it came from an old wooden ship, and used like steep stairs between decks. Thanks for sharing.
